There is more uncertainty than ever – around the NFL and, in particular, with the Chargers roster.

All we can do now is wait.

The league year ends at 9 p.m. PT on March 3, barring a delay, and the Chargers’ decision makers take some time before February and turning their attention to final roster assessments.

The team has a plan for if a new Collective Bargaining is agreed to by March 4 and one (with several contingencies included) in the event the uncertainty drags on.

Regardless, this is an offseason with potential for more player movement than the Chargers have seen in several years.

• The Chargers have just 35 players under contract for 2011, among the 62 who finished 2010 on the 53-man roster or injured reserve.

• Seven players who started nine or more games are likely unrestricted free agents (pending the terms of the new CBA).

• Of the 37 players who worked 200 or more offensive or defensive snaps for the Chargers in 2010, 15 are likely unrestricted free agents (again, pending the CBA terms).

How and when the NFL’s labor morass is resolved will effect to some extent who the Chargers decide they would like to keep. The offseason, even if business goes on as usual, still has many months to go.

But here is a first look at where the Chargers stand at each position (kicker and punter won’t change) and where they will and/or should try to upgrade in free agency and with their five draft picks in the first three rounds.

QUARTERBACK

Philip Rivers. Enough said.

As for his backup(s), the Chargers would love for Billy Volek to return for a sixth season as their safety net. If they come up with something like the three-year, $9 million deal they gave him after the ’07 season, put your money on Volek being back even if he and his agent are eyeing a quarterback-needy league and Volek has stated his desire to actually play again.

The Chargers went without a third quarterback, largely because of their needs on special teams. They survived, but it was unlike A.J. Smith or Norv Turner to go a season with just two quarterbacks. And the plan is to have fewer exclusive “special teamers” in 2011.

RUNNING BACK

The Chargers have a one-two punch for at least another season (and probably longer) that could rival any in the league if both Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert stay healthy.

The pair averaged a combined 4.2 yards per carry in 2010. The plan going forward would be to rotate them based on who’s hot and which defense the Chargers are facing.

Considering that and the money he can make elsewhere, it seems unlikely that Darren Sproles will continue as the third-down back. That leaves Curtis Brinkley, who will certainly be given a chance. But the Chargers could also keep him on the practice squad and bring in a veteran.